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How to Save Money on Your Party or ReceptionAll Events General Party Tips

How to Save Money on Your Party or Receptionby Bob Houle, SeniorDJs.com

Organizing Your Event

Contrary to most people's intuition, the way to host a really great party is to organize, organize, organize. Determine your budget well in advance, send out invitations or e-vites so you know who's showing up, and hire great coordinators or entertainers. If you get the planning done correctly, you'll be able to sit back and really enjoy your party rather than freaking out about the logistics the whole time.

Whether you're holding a large party like a wedding reception or corporate function or an intimate gathering, the key to cutting back on costs is planning for the space and for the number of invitees. You can save on food costs without sacrificing quality by bumping up the scale of your appetizers and cutting back on the entrees. A few well-placed chicken tandoori skewers and shrimp cocktails should be enough to satisfy the appetites of many of your guests, for instance. Or, you can go the opposite way and scale back appetizers to make way for a healthy portioned meal. Fruit and cheese assortments make for nice starters without breaking the bank.

Fun Party Planning Ideas

Another great party planning idea is to use your event space to best advantage. If you're hosting at someone's house, for instance, you can set up a bar, rearrange furniture, and cordon off certain rooms prior to the event. If you're renting a public space, you can work with an on-site representative to minimize logistical hassles and iron out their rules and your responsibilities.

All tips should be given in cash. If the person serving you is an employee of the company, their tip should be in a separate envelope.

DJ - If your DJ owns the company then the tip is optional but if the DJ is an employee $50-100.00. If you have 2 DJs (DJ & MC), give each person $50.00 in separate envelopes. When your guests rave about your reception later, it's the DJ that had everything to do with the fun.

Why are you planning to tip any vendor before you see the final service in action? Even then, you only tip someone if they go above and beyond for you. Tip what you feel they deserved. Most tipping guides say 10-15% but do you have $60+ leftover to tip them plus everyone else? Do they deserve the 10% after you saw the final service in action? If they did, then mail it with your thank you note to them later.

Tips are not necessary, but are always appreciated. If you feel your DJ went above and beyond or gave you excellent service that is totally up to you.Should I tip the DJ? Again this is up to your discretion. TIPS stands for ì To Insure Proper Service ì. 15 percent is traditional. Again itís your call.

vendors that you believe have done a great job or have exceeded your expectations.

DJ: 10% - 20%

From personal experience:It feels great to be tipped, no matter the amount, as a show of appreciation for the hard work and dedication that we gave to an event. A card is also a nice gesture, but when something comes along with that card, we feel like the client really understood how much goes into what we do.

It is also not uncommon for a client to send a card in the mail, after the wedding has passed. We’ve gotten them weeks and even months later without ever expecting them, what a nice surprise! Truthfully, if your DJ does an excellent job, you’ll know it because you and your guests will have danced your legs off and everyone will be elated.

If the event runs smoothly, it’s generally because the DJ kept things running that way. In that case, a thank you card, a tip, or a host of referrals is so greatly appreciated.And finally, how much should you tip? Well, it’s safe to say that if you plan on tipping, you shouldn’t tip one single person less than $25.00 and it’s very rare to see anything over $100.00 per person. I have had a $400.00 tip once in my career, and I was stunned, but it was a very special circumstance and the client was given a low price contract for services to begin with.

We believe tipping should always be at the client’s discretion. I never work for a tip, nor do any of our DJs or Entertainers. We know our clients are paying us well and expecting the best from us, and we are always committed to delivering that level of service.

This past weekend I received a very generous tip from my clients. These were clients who asked for my professional help on a dire matter only 2 days before their wedding. The matter had nothing to do with my services, nor was it in my contract to help these clients with this matter. However, when I offered my help, I simply did what I would expect any DJ or Entertainment service to do when called upon for help.

I helped my client. But my efforts apparently did not go unnoticed and my clients were very kind to me in return. This is something that many clients do and we are always greatly appreciative. We also understand that many clients do not have tips in their budget, or do not feel it is necessary to tip on top of the contract price for services provided. We want our clients to feel comfortable in knowing that we work as hard as we can night after night to give a unique and great service to them without regard for gratuity.

I think it is important for our clients to know that all tips or gratuity given to the DJ goes directly to the DJ. If there is an assistant to the DJ at your event, the tip will be split accordingly. The company has no interest in the gratuity given to a DJ, performer, technician or entertainer.

Do I Have To Tip My Vendors?Well, its entirely up to you! Some vendors already factor in a 5% to 10% service charge in their fees. If that’s the case, you might want to reconsider tipping them. However, if your vendor has done a fantastic job in making your wedding magical, then why not? It doesn’t have to be an extravagant amount but something as a little gesture of thanks will be much appreciated by your vendor.Wedding Tip: Prepare little envelopes with a thank you note and a small token of appreciation before your wedding as you will likely forget in the excitement of your wedding day.Wedding vendors are professionals who can really make or break your wedding. Although you have paid them, remember to treat them as professionals who are helping you make your wedding just the way you want it. Remember that happy wedding vendors often go out of their way to make happy weddings!

The experts at SeniorDJs.com know all the secret elements - and the "not-so-secret" ones too - all to help you plan the ultimate wedding reception that is perfectly you! Use these 10 essential elements to create the perfect day for you and your guests.

1. Generously Invite

Writing the guest list... what a challenge! How do you agree on whom to invite and still stay within your budget? Here's the bottom line. You are preparing for this important day of your life, in the end only one thing will matter - who do you love, who is in your extended family?We encourage you to invite every person you love. Your guests are the focal point of this special day. Cut back on the cost of the dinner, limit the hours of the open bar, but don't cross off names. As you fondly remember your party, you will not remember the per-person cost. You will remember glowing faces of the people celebrating your special occasion... the buzz at the party... the clink of toasting glasses throughout the room congratulating your special guest! The extra veggie platter, shrimp apps, and extravagant centerpiece won't be the center of attention - the people will be.

2. Designate Your Celebratory Space

Before you plan your party know exactly where you want people to mix and mingle. Fantastic parties brim with family and friends who feel comfortable, meet, talk, dance, and become acquainted with one another. Don't let guests leave early, slip away to check out the impressive surroundings of your location, or run outside for a smoke and then never come back to join the party. Define the space with ribbons or closed doors. Don't be afraid to close off certain areas or rooms. The liveliest parties have a common area where guests are mingling and activities are taking place. A designated space ensures guests catch and capture each wonderful moment as it unfolds.

3. Special Activities Just For The Joy Of It

Remember, 80% of your guests won't know each other. The greatest memories are the new friendships and extended family bonds created at your party. Use interactive games, specialty dances, bold announcements, or fun activities to break the ice and help people get to know one other. Suddenly you'll see people laughing and enjoying themselves instead of feeling shy or retreating on the sidelines.

4. Let Go, Have Fun & Toss Your Worries Aside

The host sets the stage and the tone for reception party. This is the time and place for you to let go, have fun, and toss any last minute worries aside. Let the months of planning and masterful professionals you've selected take over and do what they do best. You only have one job - to have fun. Show up and celebrate! If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your guests will sense it and feel uncomfortable too. You have the power and pleasure to give your guests permission to let loose and have a great time!

5. Dance Your Little Heart Out

One saucy shoe must be the first to step out on the dance floor. Guests will be looking to you for permission and timing to dance. As soon as you get up and dance, they'll let loose and do a little rumba too! People are typically shy and most guests are very careful not to offend or overstep their boundaries. Plan to play music you love so you are comfortable. Your physical cues can create a safe space for them to dance, toe-tap, celebrate, toast, and party. Watch friends and family get up and dance, thoroughly enjoy themselves, then talk about what a fabulous party it was in the morning.

6. Embellish, Adorn, and Decorate

The décor sets the mood at the party. Simple décor is not only best, it is marvelously elegant. Elegant doesn't have to mean expensive. Think sentimental instead of expensive and you'll amaze yourself with the brilliant ideas that come to mind. Use your imagination and let your creativity take over.

7. Invite Groups of People That Know Each Other

No doubt your guests will be coming from many different walks of life - but the more people you bring together with common bonds - the more alive the party will be. People feel safest when they are surrounded by people and situations that are familiar to them. Watch the twinkle in the eyes of your family members sparkle as they greet familiar faces from way back when. Notice work friends create a "tribe" of sorts and fill up the dance floor. Birds of a feather do flock together. Invite groups of people that know each other and see a warm, wonderful, and happy vibe wash over the party.

8. Serve Thirst Quenching Libations

Every party should have beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages available. Hesitant??? Think again. Cocktails loosen people up and lessen inhibitions. Even people who do not drink, often make exceptions at parties. Keep the cost down. Serve beer on tap, inexpensive bottles of wine (Charles Shaw for $1.99/bottle), or have a "cash only" bar with free soft drinks and water. All the fun at a fraction of the cost.

9. Early Notice and Save The Date Announcements

Your invitees won't want to miss your special event, but with very busy schedules advance notice is not a luxury - it's required. Invite people well in advance. 30% of guests that don't show decline because they didn't get enough advance notice. Send an electronic "save the date" message via email or try a unique and money saving "save the date" photo postcard for as little as $.65 a card including postage. Avoid disappointing "Will Not Attends' that arrive late in the mail or worse yet embarrassing "Yes" response cards from people who don't show up. As rude as this is, people hate to say no. Giving people advance notice - a minimum of 3 weeks - will minimize disappointment and embarrassment and bring all your favorite people together.

10. Use The One Hour Gathering Rule

Party "kick-off" starts one hour after the official start time. Many people will show up late so use the one hour "gathering rule" to account for lateness and all the other influences out of your control... traffic, distance, directions, babysitters, weather, and other unknowns. Begin with an intimate one-hour cocktail to entertain before the party officially starts. Play inviting music and host an open bar if you choose. Because most guests will arrive late, serve food or appetizers toward the end of the "gathering hour." This will give the effect of a perfectly planned and welcoming entrance.

Bonus Tip, let the DJ do what he does best. You've hired the best and planned well in advance. Let your vision come together as the reality of this marvelous day unfolds. Hear each and every guest say,"It was the best time since we can remember!" Andrea Wolf

Go to http://SeniorDjs.com to review our services. Owner and author Robert Houle writes the popular "The Dr. Is In" column for the American DJ Association magazine.

You're planning a big event. Maybe it's a family celebration, a company event, a fundraiser, or anything else that involves large numbers of people. But one thing's for sure: you have high hopes it's going to be fun for everyone. Everyone, that is, except you.

Why? You know from experience that too often, the person in charge of making an event happen only gets noticed if something goes wrong. Even if things do go well, you'll be too busy making sure things keep going well to enjoy yourself.

But even though you're the event planner, you can have a good time at the event. Not only can you enjoy your event when it happens, you can cut down on the stress leading up to the event. The trick is not to take on planning an event alone--even if no one has volunteered to help out, and even if you have no staff.

How? The answer lies in one little secret...

Get a DJ.

How a DJ Makes an Event Planner's Life Easier

This secret to stress-free event planning does seem too obvious to be true, but it is a 100% proven fact. Here's what a DJ does for you:

Makes less work for you. You'll be free to focus on the location, invitations, catering--or just enjoying yourself.

You might have trouble believing this if you think of a DJ as a human jukebox. In reality, a good DJ can do more than just play music. A DJ can help make sure the whole event goes well, both in the event planning, and in the execution.

Lighting and sound engineer, master of ceremonies, scheduler of party games--the DJ can wear many hats for you, or stay in the background if you wish.

Smoothes the flow of social events. You've got dozens or hundreds of people who only see each other occasionally, if at all, sitting next to each other. The inevitable uncomfortable silences will be a lot less uncomfortable when there's music playing. In fact, since music almost always puts people in a good mood, those uncomfortable silences may not be inevitable at all.

Makes the event special. No one can say the event was just a get-together or worse, a meeting with a few snacks thrown in--when a professional DJ was there. When you need to make an impression, a professional DJ does the job.

Takes pressure off you and family, friends, and co-workers. Whenever anyone speaks or does anything on stage, there are guaranteed to be a few critics in the house. Better the object of criticism be someone you've hired for the day than you yourself, your boss, or your father-in-law. You may have heard horror stories of DJs ruining an event. But having someone else to blame if someone doesn't have a good time is actually one of the hidden benefits of having a DJ. Aunt Martha or Jim from Accounts Receivable didn't like the music you selected? Don't argue. Just blame the DJ.

Studies show that a year after an event, most attendees have forgotten what food was served, and even such specifics as the location. The one thing people do remember is whether or not they had fun. Don't leave that all-important memory to chance. Hire a professional DJ.

About the author: Joel Walsh is a jounalist who writes about entertainment topics.http://SeniorDJs.com

Should We Really Attend a Stranger's Wedding? All Events General Party Tips

Should We Really Attend a Stranger's Wedding?by Bob Houle, SeniorDJs.com

Lets get right to it!

Question of the Week (THIS IS A HUGE ONE)

Mia, Debra and Amy all asked the same question. It is a great question and one we get almost everyday.

Question:

Can I go see a your DJ at a future wedding reception? Or do you have a video of your DJs?

Answer:

When people are asking these questions they are really asking "How do I know your DJs have the ability to make my reception fun and memorable?" or "How can I trust that your DJs can get the job done?"

When I first began my company I always let prospective clients (with permission of the bride and groom, of course) visit a wedding reception. After all, this is what all the wedding guides tell you to do...

First, we all must understand that we customize each event to YOUR interests. Some DJs only play this kind of music or only do things one specific way. That really limits you as a client and doesn't, in our opinion, allow the event to be as successful as possible. Some people want an "All Out Crazy Dance Party" while others would prefer a "Classy Elegant Evening". Some prefer techno and hip-hop while others prefer Oldies or Smooth Jazz.

When the people visited, they first had to arrive at the precise time that the party was "cooking" AND it had to be just what THEY had in mind. If the event was a night of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin then one person might love it and another would think that this DJ is just boring even though that same DJ was rocking a club the night before playing nothing but HIP-HOP and R&B. Who knew?

Also,the prospective client would arrive during dinner, or in the middle of the first dance and it was ALWAYS disruptive. The DJ had to focus on them and the bride and groom all at the same time. It's just not good customer service and it doesn't work.

People would show up at formal weddings in shorts, jeans, and yes, summer halter tops.

It's not fair to the bride and groom and it wouldn't be fair to you to use your event as a showroom. I would hesitate to recommend a DJ that suggests doing this as they may just be walking people through your event doing a sales pitch when they should be attending to your needs.

Now, how about videos? The worst DJ in the world can gather video images from times when things were going good. They are a huge waste of your time. Have you ever listened to a great CD and then was wildly dissapointed when you saw the band live? Same thing.

Don't waste your time watching a self-produced ego video. Talk with people who have actually experienced the DJ for several houls.